One wave sets thousands in motion.

CAROLINE:

I am Caroline Rosen, a black belt at Thousand Waves. I have been training 8 years, sense I was 4 years old, and it has helped me in so many ways. It has helped me through hard years and bad friendships. It has also taught me to stand up for myself and others. Without karate I would not be who I am today. I started karate because I was small and couldn't stand up for myself. Thanks to karate I am stronger, and I can advocate for myself.

Last year was very hard. I got left out a lot. Thousand Waves helped me so much. I got deeper into the community and made new friends. When I had a hard day at school I could go and punch things to get my anger and sadness out. It also gave me the confidence I needed to switch schools. Now I go to school at Audubon, and I am very happy there. I have friends, and I love it. Without karate I would still be unhappy at my old school.

All the money goes to helping Thousand Waves with scholarships, the ASK program, and the self-defence and violence prevention program. The scholarships help people who can't afford to go to Thousand Waves have the wonderful experience that I have had. The ASK program works with the Rehabilitation of Chicago, so kids with disabilities can also do karate. The money also goes to programs that help people learn self defense and prevents violence.

I am also participating in Spirit Challenge. It is a series of classes and challenges to test your technique, body, and spirit. It is super hard. Challenges include Punch and Kick-a-Thon (1000 punches and 1000 kicks), Circuit Challenge (a series of incredibly hard fitness challenges), Board Braking, and Sparring, just to name a few. I will be completing a ton of the activities. Do you think I can do it? Donate if you think I can.

These are just a few wonderful things that Thousand Waves did for me and does for other people. Please help me help the place that made such a difference in my life. Please also read how it has helped my brother below.

MAX:

Hi my name is Max Rosen and I have been doing karate for 4 years. Thousand waves has always bean there for me and I want to help them back. I am now a advanced green belt. Will you please help me and Caroline give back to something that is a big piece of my childhood. Whenever I am down I go to karate and when I come home I am super happy.